After winning seven contests and earning a trip to the state playoffs last season, Adairsville enters this year optimistic that it can continue its winning ways in Class 3A.

“Our offseason went well and we’re excited about where we’re going as a program,” said second-year head coach Eric Bishop. “We’re probably the biggest we’ve ever been, size-wise, over our offensive and defensive lines.”

The Tigers’ offense, which averaged 30 points per contest last season, will be led by three-year starting quarterback Marcus Childers. The senior had a strong season last year leading the team in rushing with 922 yards, throwing for 772 yards and amassing 15 total touchdowns.

“Marcus had a strong year throwing the ball and we’re hoping he has a big year offensively,” Bishop said.

Junior running back Sidnee Johnson had 684 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns last season and returns to the Tigers’ backfield. Skill position players Blaine Bishop, Marquel Lane and Torrey Hale will also be main targets for Childers.

The Tigers’ coaching staff placed emphasis on rebuilding an offensive line that returns only one starter.

“I’ve told people that we have quality players on the line but they don’t have the Friday night experience yet,” said Bishop.

Defensively, Adairsville fielded a strong unit last season, giving up only 21 points per game. The defensive line rotation will consist of senior Will Harris, juniors Will Rose and Drake Green along with sophomore Rico Willis.

“We’re looking forward to each of them stepping up,” said Bishop.

Senior linebacker Cody Hightower will lead the back line of the Tigers’ defense.

“Cody is undersized but has great instincts, a nose for the ball and loves contact,” Bishop said.

The head coach was also complimentary of the offseason work of junior linebackers Dallas Cannon and Daelen Harrison.

The Tigers will see some new opponents in Region 6-AAA as Cartersville has been replaced with perennial power Calhoun and Murray County.

The coaching staff already has outlined the keys to a successful season for the Tigers.

“We’re going to have to play assignment football on defense, stop the run and create turnovers,” said Bishop. “Our focus on offense will be running the football behind our line and taking care of the kicking game, which is often overlooked.”

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